Shadowdoom9 (Andi)'s Forum Threads

Perhaps I just ignored it, but I never heard anyone mention this before finding this out today. Though I must admit I don't pay attention to djent or metalcore. Even so, I am mildly surprised that I was gone for a few days and suddenly there's a new genre.

That said, wasn't RYM supposed to have genres that aren't just made up random crap which might as well be what a band calls themselves? I remember that used to be a sticking point, but it seems whenever someone here brings up the site their sticking points disappear more and more. Like, I'm not saying things have to have Wikipedia pages, but it seems like this doesn't have much beyond the words of bands, who we don't trust to give themselves genres.

Inspired by one of my current favorite YouTube channels Thralls of Metal, I decided to also get in the "band's greatest hits" trend of compiling tracks from different albums by a band as your own "greatest hits" kind of album. If you have any of your own "greatest hits" albums for your favorite bands, feel free to post them here.

Here are my rules for how I would do my own "greatest hits" albums, but you may have your own rules:

1. Two songs per each studio album; one popular track and one underrated track.

2. One song per other album (remix album, EP, etc.).

3. If a track is at least 10 minutes long or close to that, it counts as two songs.

4. Might add in one extra song for one of the albums.

5. If the length of the tracklisting exceeds 80 minutes (the CD length limit), it's split into two discs, maybe 3 discs if even longer.

6. Songs are in chronological order.

Let's start with these two underrated bands:

Mechina

Disc 1 - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46x2HxpNaUfLUQrisTSXCn

1. Shattered Cry

2. The Assembly of Tyrants

3. Reclamation of Mortal Nature (2007)

4. Pray to the Winds

5. The Iron Law

6. Elephtheria

7. Empyrean

8. Xenon

9. Tartarus

10. The Hyperion Threnody

11. The Horizon Effect

12. Anagenesis

Disc 2 - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cJyYF0YNeV9fdSNJKuU05

1. Godspeed, Vanguards

2. Unearthing the Daedalian Ancient

3. Gene Heresy

4. Freedom Foregone

5. Venator

6. When Virtue Meets Steel

7. The Grand Hunt

8. Broken Matter Manipulation

9. Bellum Interruptum

10. The Collapsed Promised to All

Neurotech

Disc 1 - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1fe4e87QJUw8Ej9JxkUUEu

1. Transhuman

2. The Angst Zeit

3. We are the Last

4. Blue Screen Planet (Part II Revelation)

5. The Cyber Waltz

6. The Race to Recovery

7. Decipher

8. Atlas

9. Ultra Us

10. Through Hardships

11. To Theta State

12. I Desensitize

13. Uplift

Disc 2 - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Ez1KEPtulPw0SbevFYHRI

1. Retrieve

2. The Lost Hope

3. The Halcyon Symphony

4. Sleepwalkers Lifeline

5. At a Standstill

6. Ectogenesis

7. Koma

8. Light Betides

9. The Messianic Symphony

10. The Serpent Bites

11. The Years of the Flood

12. Echoes of the Fall

13. Memory Eternal

Inspired by one of my current favorite YouTube channels Thralls of Metal, I decided to also get in the "band's greatest hits" trend of compiling tracks from different albums by a band as your own "greatest hits" kind of album. If you have any of your own "greatest hits" albums for your favorite bands, feel free to post them here.

Here are my rules for how I would do my own "greatest hits" albums, but you may have your own rules:

1. Two songs per each studio album; one popular track and one underrated track.

2. One song per other album (remix album, EP, etc.).

3. If a track is at least 10 minutes long or close to that, it counts as two songs.

4. Might add in one extra song for one of the albums.

5. If the length of the tracklisting exceeds 80 minutes (the CD length limit), it's split into two discs, maybe 3 discs if even longer.

6. Songs are in chronological order.

Let's start with a few of my favorite American melodic metalcore bands:

Trivium - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Mo15LhBBqDuWx4QdUhzVa

Disc 1

1. Pillars of Serpents

2. Ember to Inferno

3. Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr

4. Like Light to the Flies

5. Becoming the Dragon

6. Tread the Floods

7. Throes of Perdition

8. Shogun

Disc 2

1. In Waves

2. Forsake Not the Dream

3. Strife

4. Through Blood and Dirt and Bone

5. Silence in the Snow

6. The Thing That's Killing Me

7. The Sin and the Sentence

8. Endless Night

9. What the Dead Men Say

10. The Defiant

11. In the Court of the Dragon

12. The Phalanx

August Burns Red - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/79N4Mmrs66n4IrIqnpBKeX

Disc 1

1. Your Little Suburbia is in Ruins

2. The Seventh Trumpet

3. Composure

4. Redemption

5. Indonesia

6. Crusades

7. Poor Millionaire

8. Leveler

9. Flurries

10. Carol of the Bells

Disc 2

1. Spirit Breaker

2. Echoes

3. Identity

4. Everlasting Ending

5. The Frost

6. Quake

7. Bones

8. Three Fountains

9. The Cleansing

10. Reckoning

All That Remains - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5LTu94tw97MMAlLfVGI5sJ

1. Behind Silence and Solitude

2. One Belief

3. And Death in My Arms

4. For Salvation

5. This Calling

6. The Weak Willed

7. Two Weeks

8. Chiron

9. The Last Time

10. Aggressive Opposition

11. Stand Up

12. A War You Cannot Win

13. Victory Lap

14. Tru-Kvlt-Metal

15. Madness

16. River City

17. Everything's Wrong

18. Victim of the New Disease

19. Divine

20. Blood & Stone

Killswitch Engage - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2xLSlZirGiyc1Diexck5p1

1. Temple from the Within

2. In the Unblind

3. My Last Serenade

4. Rise Inside

5. Breathe Life

6. Wasted Sacrifice

7. My Curse

8. Eye of the Storm

9. Let the Bridges Burn

10. Take Me Away (I hate this one but I added it anyway because it's one of only a few songs from KSE V to be on Spotify via V/A compilations)

11. In a Dead World

12. In Due Time

13. Always

14. Hate by Design

15. Embrace the Journey... Upraised

16. The Crownless King

17. I Can't Be the Only One

18. Hollow Convictions

19. Collusion

20. Requiem

Inspired by one of my current favorite YouTube channels Thralls of Metal, I decided to also get in the "band's greatest hits" trend of compiling tracks from different albums by a band as your own "greatest hits" kind of album. If you have any of your own "greatest hits" albums for your favorite bands, feel free to post them here.

Here are my rules for how I would do my own "greatest hits" albums, but you may have your own rules:

1. Two songs per each studio album; one popular track and one underrated track.

2. One song per other album (remix album, EP, etc.).

3. If a track is at least 10 minutes long or close to that, it counts as two songs.

4. Might add in one extra song for one of the albums.

5. If the length of the tracklisting exceeds 80 minutes (the CD length limit), it's split into two discs, maybe 3 discs if even longer.

6. Songs are in chronological order.

Let's start with the Swedish pioneers of djent:

Meshuggah - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1FUW5yd9jRCkLXCi7JyQZx

Disc 1

1. Paralyzing Ignorance

2. Cadaverous Mastication

3. Humiliative

4. Future Breed Machine

5. Inside What's Within Behind

6. New Millennium Cyanide Christ

7. The Mouth Licking What You've Bled

8. Rational Gaze

9. Straws Pulled at Random

10. I

Disc 2

1. Entrapment

2. Shed

3. Bleed

4. Pravus

5. I Am Colossus

6. The Hurt That Finds You First

7. Clockworks

8. Into Decay

9. The Abysmal Eye

10. Armies of the Preposterous

Inspired by one of my current favorite YouTube channels Thralls of Metal, I decided to also get in the "band's greatest hits" trend of compiling tracks from different albums by a band as your own "greatest hits" kind of album. If you have any of your own "greatest hits" albums for your favorite bands, feel free to post them here.

Here are my rules for how I would do my own "greatest hits" albums, but you may have your own rules:

1. Two songs per each studio album; one popular track and one underrated track.

2. One song per other album (remix album, EP, etc.).

3. If a track is at least 10 minutes long or close to that, it counts as two songs.

4. Might add in one extra song for one of the albums.

5. If the length of the tracklisting exceeds 80 minutes (the CD length limit), it's split into two discs, maybe 3 discs if even longer.

6. Songs are in chronological order.

Let's start with two of my never forgotten power metal heroes whom I'll never let go of:

DragonForce - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3j2j83nXjsAlGq1N9X9FcF

Disc 1 (ZP Theart era)

1. Valley of the Damned

2. Revelations

3. Fury of the Storm

4. Above the Winter Moonlight

5. Through the Fire and Flames

6. The Flame of Youth

7. Heroes of Our Time

8. Inside the Winter Storm

Disc 2 (Marc Hudson era)

1. Cry Thunder

2. Heart of the Storm

3. The Game

4. City of Gold

5. Chemical Interference

6. Ashes of the Dawn

7. War!

8. Highway to Oblivion

9. In a Skyforged Dream

10. Astro Warrior Anthem

11. Pixel Prison

12. Power of the Saber Blade

Kamelot (Roy Khan era) - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cYVwrx7OMe78YLj9BjYSL

1. Providence

2. Parting Visions

3. The Fourth Legacy

4. Lunar Sanctum

5. Forever

6. Karma

7. Center of the Universe

8. III Ways to Epica

9. March of Mephisto

10. The Black Halo

11. Memento Mori

12. Ghost Opera

13. Love You to Death

14. Hunter's Season

15. Once Upon a Time

Inspired by one of my current favorite YouTube channels Thralls of Metal, I decided to also get in the "band's greatest hits" trend of compiling tracks from different albums by a band as your own "greatest hits" kind of album. If you have any of your own "greatest hits" albums for your favorite bands, feel free to post them here.

Here are my rules for how I would do my own "greatest hits" albums, but you may have your own rules:

1. Two songs per each studio album; one popular track and one underrated track.

2. One song per other album (remix album, EP, etc.).

3. If a track is at least 10 minutes long or close to that, it counts as two songs.

4. Might add in one extra song for one of the albums.

5. If the length of the tracklisting exceeds 80 minutes (the CD length limit), it's split into two discs, maybe 3 discs if even longer.

6. Songs are in chronological order.

Let's start with the world's most famous alt-rock/metal band:

Linkin Park - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1V8OiCrZBWvDtfUystkoxj

1. And One

2. In the End

3. Pushing Me Away

4. Krwlng

5. Don't Stay

6. From the Inside

7. Points of Authority/99 Problems/One Step Closer

8. What I've Done

9. No More Sorrow

10. When They Come for Me

11. Waiting for the End

12. Lost in the Echo

13. Skin to Bone

14. A Light That Never Comes

15. Guilty All the Same

16. War

17. One More Light

18. Friendly Fire

19. Two Faced

20. Good Things Go

Just calling this Becoming the Archetype album deathcore isn't enough to justify its brutal sound. The riffing, vocals, and some of the occasional breakdowns all sound closer to standard death metal, with not as much melodeath as their surrounding albums. So I'd like to submit Becoming the Archetype's "I Am" to the Hall to be added to The Horde and death metal, while staying in The Revolution and deathcore.

OK, I know I nominated this epic masterpiece as the May 2025 Revolution feature release, but as I listen to it more, I can hear it coming out as more of a progressive melodeath/metalcore kind of style. The riffing, vocals, and some of the occasional breakdowns all sound closer to standard/melodic death metal, and the structures are quite complex and progressive in many of the tracks, short and long. With that I'd like to send Becoming the Archetype's "Terminate Damnation" to the Hall with two entries for the album to be added to...

1. The Horde as melodic death metal.

2. The Infinite as progressive metal.

All while maintaining its position in The Revolution.

I've done my review, here's its summary:

Terminate Damnation is one of the most battle-ready gems in the Christian metal/NWOAHM side of things. Despite Extol and Living Sacrifice having their temporary spilt-ups shortly after, Solid State followers ended up having another band to headbang to! I really enjoy the heavy melodeath riffing and fast soloing here, along with frontman Jason Wisdom doing some killer death growls and Matt Heafy-like metalcore bellows. And we can't forget the metalcore breakdowns and progressive structures. And oh yeah, audible bass, which is a great bonus. And double oh yeah, the wicked art of death metal cover artist Dan Seagrave. Some parts of this album remind me a bit of one of the albums Mr. Seagrave has contributed artwork for, Edge of Sanity's The Spectral Sorrows. Anyone looking for talented Christian extreme metal, here it is. An offering for the ages!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Into Oblivion", "Elegy", "Night's Sorrow", "Beyond Adaptation", "No Fall Too Far", "The Trivial Paroxysm"

For fans of: Edge of Sanity, Extol, Trivium

I've done my review, here's its summary:

In 2014, Xerath released their third album (and last before their 7-year split) titled, you guessed it, III. This immersive masterpiece has revolutionized modern progressive metal, just like their first two albums have, but with more intriguing ideas in their inventory. This is true blazing epic extreme metal right here! Xerath III has production magic from well-known Mercenary/Volbeat producer Jacob Hansen. His golden touch has helped with the perfection of this blend of orchestral drama and metal structures, creating something so unique and apocalyptic. Many tracks have the fascinating talent of vocalist Richard Thomson, with his black metal-ish shrieks and operatic cleans making this track come out like an epic progressive take on both Children of Bodom and Soilwork. The incredible shredding by guitarist Conor McGouran has such diverse technicality. The ability to combine film score-style orchestra with metal pays off, adding beautiful harmony to this apocalyptic chaos. I'm glad to find an exceptional masterpiece from this band, one that I can consider the best album of 2014!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "I Hold Dominion", "I Hunt for the Weak", "Death Defiant", "Sentinels", "Demigod Doctrine", "The Chaos Reign", "Veil" (both parts)

For fans of: Devin Townsend Project, Mechina, Textures

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

A Dark Halo - "Burn It All" from Catalyst (2006)

5/5. One of my favorite tracks here is this one having lots of groove and energy from the intro onwards.

Illidiance - "I Want to Believe" from Damage Theory (2010)

4.5/5. Then we slow down for this ballad-ish track that's clearly an X-Files reference in that title.

Lard - "Can God Fill Teeth?" from The Last Temptation of Reid (1990)

4/5. The lyrics are pretty much entirely spoken word. After some conspiracy theory accusations, the guitar and drums speed up as fast as thrash, while painful yet humorous sounds of dental torture come in. Apparently, wires leading to the brain of the patient record all that's happening the appointment. So odd and mesmerizing, yet as creative as the first two tracks!

Rammstein - "Benzin" from Rosenrot (2005)

3.5/5. If I were to recommend Neue Deutsche Harte to someone, it would be those who like industrial/alt-metal with German lyrics. The "hey" sample also seems to be the same one used in The Prodigy's "Firestarter". I suppose a song like this should've ended up in one of the Carmageddon video games alongside those Fear Factory tracks.

Old - "Vein Water" from Lo Flux Tube (1991)

4/5. Although this is experimental/industrial metal, the vocals are bit like blackened deathgrind. Nonetheless, it never gets f***ing old.

Drown - "Pieces of a Man" from Hold on to the Hollow (1994)

4.5/5. The more industrial fans might know this Drown album from the fact that it was produced by Dave Ogilvie from Skinny Puppy. Drown and Fear Factory are two bands that have this bada** genre of industrial metal big in the 90s. Still I like the genre more when it has metallic rage. Prong also dived into a bit of industrial metal back then. Fear Factory would get more of the mainstream glory though. Totally kick-A!

Sybreed - "Neurodrive" from Antares (2007)

5/5. This highlight rolls through excellent guitar rhythms and some of the best vocals by Benjamin. That might have leave a huge influential mark on Neurotech, and is one of my favorite tracks here.

Fear Factory - "Scumgrief" from Soul of a New Machine (1992)

4.5/5. This one marks the return to the full form of the industrial death metal balance between clean hooks and deathly heaviness.

Misery Loves Co. - "It's All Yours" from Not Like Them (1997)

4/5. Misery Loves Co. can be considered a metallized blend of The Cure and Depeche Mode. Quite cool as h*ll, especially since this was on MTV to brush aside the pop sh*t.

Argyle Park - "Violent" from Misguided (1994)

4.5/5. People may have discovered music like this in their teens, but I only starting getting into Klayton's music a few years before this comment. The lyrics may not be highly suitable for Christians despite being in the Christian market, but I still like them, "I've taken what you've told me, I'm ready to apply. Liars can't be trusted, but who doesn't lie?" Those lyrics can are also referenced in Celldweller's "One Good Reason". While Argyle Park is long-gone now, at least we still have Celldweller and Circle of Dust.

Ministry - "Aryan Embarrassment" from HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES (2024)

4/5. Oooh, another Al Jourgensen/Jello Biafra track! Not as bizarre as that Lard track, but still quite interesting.

Noidz - "2012" 2.0.1.3. (2013)

3.5/5. Anyone still listening to this in 2025?

Fange - "Sang-Vinaigre" from Privation (2023)

3/5. Decent sludgy industrial metal, but a little too drone-ish.

CueStack - "Alive" from Alive (2021)

3.5/5. Industrial rock/metal might just take over the planet! The riffing is good, but I prefer to get my industrial metal from Fear Factory and a bit of Ministry.

Deadly Apples, Filter, Danny Lohner - "Volatile" from Volatile (2025)

4/5. Some more top-notch industrial rock/metal, this track featuring members of Filter and Nine Inch Nails.

Watts - "Kundalini" from Pigmartyr (2004)

4.5/5. And another similarly-styled track, this one by Raymond Watts of PIG.

Celldweller - "Electric Eye" from Satellites (2022)

5/5. OK, why does the intro beat sound like the Powerpuff Girls theme? Still this is a perfect track with many different moments to highlight, such as the verse in the two and a half minute mark, then the bridge over a minute later, and another minute later the outro.

Dodheimsgard - "Sonar Bliss" from 666 International (1999)

4.5/5. Some amazing industrial black metal here, and I especially love the riffing at over the 4 and a half minute mark. But it's nothing compared to the last minute of the track, an out of this world outro! This is for anyone who's into experimental/industrial black metal like Aborym, Diabolos Rising, and Ved Buens Ende, not just the symphonic black metal of Dimmu Borgir and early Satyricon. I once thought of 666 International as the missing link between Covenant and The Kovenant eras. The only other DHG album to be part of The Sphere is Supervillain Outcast.

Neurotech - "The Lost Hope" from In Remission (2016)

5/5. This trance-y centerpiece sounds like Evasive but more epic and in the same metallic vibe as "Uplift". The bass and synths drive through and never lose any momentum.

Mick Gordon - "Shatterhail" from Killer Instinct: Season One Soundtrack (2014)

4.5/5. Mick Gordon is pretty much a master of metalstep. Eat your heart out, The Path of Totality!

Mechina - "On the Wings of Vecterra" from Bellum Interruptum (2025)

5/5. This incredible standout can practically surpass the previous few tracks, and the female vocals here are mostly from "Treasur'" Necole Wright who previously guest appeared in Venator's "Totemic", plus some wild shredding soloing by Dean Paul Arnold.

Die Krupps - "F.U." from Vision 2020 Vision (2019)

4.5/5. Sounds like an attack on a certain US President. I'm not really a political person, so I have nowhere to stand here.

Proton Burst - "N.W.G." from Silence (1998)

4/5. The song title stands for "Negative Wave Generator", for those who don't know.

Underoath - "Vultures" from The Place After This One (2025)

3.5/5. This one is a killer track that can really punch its way to Hell and back. The ethereal leads grab my attention as much as the heavy chorus, "How’s it feel now that you circle with the Vultures?!" The chorus isn't the only massive hooker here. We also have the dark heavy bridge featuring Troy Sanders of Mastodon and his gritty singing. Truly a "take no sh*t" kind of track.

Circle of Dust - "Daraq" from Metamorphosis (1993)

4/5. Finally, we have one more track to complete the Klayton triptych. It's so strange and unique, and has some industrial from Skinny Puppy. Daraq is the name of a few different provinces in Iran.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Ice Nine Kills - "The American Nightmare" from The Silver Scream (2018)

4.5/5. Based on A Nightmare on Elm Street, this track opens the playlist with advice about sleep in a radio broadcast. The insistent drum beat with smooth vocals by Spencer Charnas is followed the loud fast guitar riff and screaming vocals. The high-speed beat, hooks, and vocals alternating between Charnas and Justin DeBlieck create an otherworldly vibe. Another strong solid start!

Morning Again - "Turning Over" from The Cleanest War (1996) (based on Hand of the Martyr compilation (2002))

5/5. Then this song rockets towards you with a metalcore blast, and not much else I can say about this awesome song can do tit justice.

Dawn of Orion - "As the Blood Red Moon Rises" from For the Lust of Prophecies Undone (1999)

4.5/5. This one greatly exemplifies that riffing, filled with true early melodic deathcore. This is the kind of darkness not even In Flames and Soilwork have dived into, having starting to go their own mainstream route in the early 2000s.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Chapter Four" from Waking the Fallen (2003)

4/5. The early 2000s was also when the modern metalcore scene was first starting to really build up. Nice guitarwork there!

Lamb of God - "Laid to Rest" from Ashes of the Wake (2004)

4.5/5. Again I know Lamb of God is more of a groove metal band, but some of their earlier tracks, including this hit that I still enjoy, still have some metalcore vibes. The bass and drums are all really nice. And everything is quite killer. Sick song!

Enter Shikari - "Juggernauts" from Common Dreads (2009)

4.5/5. "The idea of community will be something displayed at a museum." Hopefully this amazing song will be displayed too.

The Wise Man's Fear - "Carry On" from What Slept Beneath Tarvos (2024)

4/5. The guest vocals by Cody Jamison (ex-Until I Wake) add a killer touch to this track. The guitar riffing that starts the last minute is d*mn ethereal. If anyone thinks fantasy lyrics only belong in power metal, they thought wrong. This is absolutely insane! And I enjoy Tyler Eads' vocals and bass as well. It's like my skeleton is on fire while being put out from the inside. Such a phenomenal banger! Starset metalcore, anyone?

Defamed - "Silhouette" from Silhouette (2025)

4.5/5. The blend of fast and dramatic that has covered modern epic deathcore continues on in this banger.

Whitechapel - "Hymns in Dissonance" from Hymns in Dissonance (2025)

5/5. The new Whitechapel album's title track that really stands out amongst the rest. The chorus name-drops several of their earlier songs, and the breakdowns sound almost as djenty as Meshuggah while staying brutal. Their roots really are back!

The Last Ten Seconds of Life - "The Violent Sound" from The Violent Sound (2016)

4.5/5. I love the riffing in the midway verse. I can definitely hear this song in a horror movie soundtrack. They really blend deathcore with the alt-/nu metal of Alice in Chains, Korn, and Static-X in this album. The breakdown is catchy and heavy, but the cleans are a little odd.

In Hearts Wake - "Healer" from Earthwalker (2014)

5/5. D*mn, this is an incredible soul-toucher! This one also has some slight Static-X vibes here.

Silent Planet - "Anunnaki" from Superbloom (2023)

4.5/5. More of this diverse chaos from these guys, especially in the breakdown!

Bleed From Within - "A Hope in Hell" from Zenith (2025)

5/5. One of my favorite tracks from the new Bleed from Within album. This blend of classic and modern, along with Steven Jones' cleans, deserves more attention.

Memory of a Melody - "Ultraviolence" from Things That Make You Scream (2011)

4.5/5. One of the best songs to combine alt-metal and metalcore! Strangely not getting popular after 14 years since its original album's release.

Undying - "For Liberation" from This Day All Gods Die (1999)

4/5. This track is a mighty battle between the 90s metal/hardcore of Vision of Disorder and Burst and the European melodeath that would later reach bands like Neaera and Omnium Gatherum.

ERRA - "Crawl Backwards Out of Heaven" from CURE (2024)

4.5/5. OH!! Feel those vocals and riffing that will make you want more!

Killswitch Engage - "This Fire" from As Daylight Dies (2006)

5/5. Another popular track. It's short while still great, striking with melodic riffing. So heavy while still catchy. Love it!

Livealie - "Casting Shadows" from Living in the Static (2024)

4.5/5. Simple yet hard-hitting in the riffing. And the verse at the one and a half minute is so f***ing intense while so d*mn beautiful.

LEVELS - "REALIGN" from PULSE (2024)

4/5. It's clear that Bad Omens has paved the way for bands like Levels to make similar f***ing phenomenal bangers. How about some heavy sauce to go with that melodic modern metal meal? Bring it on!

Termina - "Spiraling" from Spiraling (2025)

3.5/5. This song and its music video should really go viral, although the quality is a bit spiraling.

Cane Hill - "Scumbag" from Too Far Gone (2018)

4/5. Nu metalcore at its wildest! I especially like that pleasantly brutal ending breakdown. The guitarwork is f***ing killer. This probably would've been perfect if the vocals weren't too much like Slipknot. The lyrics are basically a well-deserved "f*** you" to Nazis.

Candiria - "Remove Yourself" from What Doesn't Kill You... (2004)

4.5/5. The vehicular crash that occurred a couple years before this album was intense, but luckily the band members survived. This alt-metalcore track is just out of this world and really should've made history.

Parkway Drive - "Leviathan I" from Deep Blue (2010)

5/5. A supreme anthem!! Why is this song never in live shows?! The music is absolutely superb, storming through a winning chorus with better vocals and percussion than anything else in this album.

The Number Twelve Looks Like You - "Cradle in the Crater" from Mongrel (2007)

4.5/5. "Next time you fall asleep look down at us on Earth and realize it may be better to forever count sheep. You're the captain of your ship and star. For today you will shine and be impervious to pain, we have all admired your bravery." Sheer poetry, just like their band name! The lyrics and screamed vocals are all f***ing beautiful. And I'm glad they're still around after their 6-year split. And whether or not you like it, everyone has a different taste in music.

Daughters - "And Then the C.H.U.D.S Came" from Canada Songs (2003)

4/5. A kick-A short grind-ish mathcore track. And there's another song like that to come...

Car Bomb - "Cielo Drive" from Centralia (2007)

4/5. Structured very strongly while staying close to the madness.

Frontierer - "Heartless 101" from Unloved (2018)

4.5/5. While mathcore is already heading into the mainstream, songs like this are still enjoyable. The guitar rising from ambient to djenty is similar to some Meshuggah songs. Then it's the usual electronic noisecore until another melodic dramatic section midway through.

The Autumn Offering - "Homecoming" from Revelations of the Unsung (2004)

5/5. I wish this band was still around and brought back their original lineup. And holy sh*t, the guest vocals by All That Remains' Phil Labonte rules!

Living Sacrifice - "Reject" from Reborn (1997)

4.5/5. Modern metal doesn't have much of the rawness metalcore had in the 90s. The breakdown at over the one-minute mark is so mind-blowing and worth repeated listens.

Norma Jean - "Disconnecktie: The Faithful Vampire" from O God, the Aftermath (2005)

5/5. You don't get to hear many 10+ minute epics in metalcore, let alone one that's perfect. 20 years since its original album's release, and still can be considered a classic!

Trivium - "Leaving This World Behind" from In Waves (2011)

4.5/5. Then the previous song fades into this dark ambient outro that has the same melody as the post-solo bridge in "Dusk Dismantled". Heafy shouts a politician/preacher-like speech and repeatedly says "I’m leaving this world behind, making up for all our crimes" with his voice rising up to screaming, then the outro intensely builds up before coming to a sudden stop. That abrupt ending left me bothered and confused but doesn't affect the rest of its original album.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Blind Guardian - "The Ninth Wave" from Beyond the Red Mirror (2015)

4.5/5. Blind Guardian was one of my favorite bands when I was still listening to symphonic/power metal. And this is one of their amazing powerful songs that I still enjoy.

Iron Maiden - "2 Minutes to Midnight" from Powerslave (1984)

4/5. I wasn't alive yet in the 80s, but if I was, I would probably enjoy bands like Iron Maiden a lot more. The riffing has a similar vibe to Venom. And speak of the devil...

Venom - "Black Metal" from Black Metal (1982)

4.5/5. It's kinda odd how the band that pioneered the phrase "black metal" isn't the genre you might know today. Venom and Hellhammer are closer to speed metal and would pave the way for Bathory to invent the actual black metal genre and for Slayer to add in dark antichristian lyrics. Quite some underrated talent, I would say! Again I would appreciate this more if I lived 30 years longer than my 26-year age. This was before Finland became known as metal's motherland. Deep Purple can never top that heaviness.

Metallica - "Enter Sandman" from Metallica (1991)

4/5. Whether or not you enjoy metal, and whether you're young or old, this is a classic work of art than anyone can enjoy or at least hear of.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Shepherd of Fire" from Hail to the King (2013)

4.5/5. And how about this track that sounds like a modern copy of "Enter Sandman"? I like this one slightly better, probably because my brother likes it as well, hearing this song from Call of Duty Origins. I can probably be able to sing this song with my karaoke vocals.

Volbeat - "Still Counting" from Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood (2008)

4/5. One of the best tracks from this Southern-fried Danish heavy metal band!

Ozzy Osbourne - "Mr. Crowley" from Blizzard of Ozz (1980)

4.5/5. Another bada** classic! While the synth/organ intro is quite notable, you gotta admire the talented guitarwork of Randy Rhoads. RIP

Black Sabbath - "N.I.B." from Black Sabbath (1970)

4/5. This one continues the lyrical narrative idea they first had in the title opener, this one being more of a fictional devilish love story. Now listen, just because the band mentions the Devil, Satan, or Hell, etc., doesn't mean they worship any of that. They're against that, portraying them like they are bad things. Lucifer is depicted as the dark seductive antagonist he's meant to be. The riffing has that bluesy hard rock vibe of Cream, which is a little mundane, especially when Ozzy sings over it, but is made up for by the rest of the song being heavy metal/proto-stoner metal, especially in the slower sections. A brilliant hint at the genre they would establish!

Judas Priest - "Screaming for Vengeance" from Screaming for Vengeance (1982)

4.5/5. Practically one of the true definitions of classic 80s heavy metal! The lyrics are so maniacal and vengeful. People think this should be for or against Trump, but I don't know which side to stand, since I'm not really political.

Quiet Riot - "Metal Health" from Metal Health (1983)

4/5. I guess you can say I'm in good Metal Health! Haha

Queensryche - "Nocturnal Light" from Digital Noise Alliance (2023)

3.5/5. Pretty good track, but their early material from the 80s are where they stand in quality.

Saxon - "Hell, Fire, and Damnation" from Hell, Fire, and Damnation (2024)

4/5. Saxon is still going divine in their nearly 50 years of existence. Wonderful lyrics here!

Battle Beast - "Russian Roulette" from Circus of Doom (2022)

4.5/5. If there's ever a video game that combines anime with James Bond-like secret agent stuff, this heavy/power metal track would fit right in the soundtrack.

DragonForce - "Heroes of Our Time" from Ultra Beatdown (2008)

5/5. This magnificent single keeps up the verse-chorus structure I find boring in most other bands, but for soloing, there are so many random changes and lead harmonies that you can't tell what's next. Brilliant! The end of the song is f***ing impossible not to sing along.

Warkings - "Armageddon" from Armageddon (2025)

4.5/5. For honor and power, we ride into armageddon!

Alestorm - "Shipwrecked" from Back Through Time (2011)

4/5. Avast, ye matey! Alestorm is still going strong with their pirate metal.

Warmen - "Invisible Power" from Accept the Fact (2005)

3.5/5. Nice vocals by Timo Kotipelto of Stratovarius. Cool soloing too! But the rest of the instrumentation could've been better.

Cacophony - "Concerto" from Speed Metal Symphony (1987)

4/5. A sweet balance of neoclassical melodies and heavy riffing. Some of the most beautiful soloing to cover most of the last minute song is performed by Jason Becker, and despite his crippling ALS, he still has his ability to compose music. It's especially good to hear with headphones on.

Andre Matos - "Endeavour" from Time to Be Free (2007)

4.5/5. RIP Andre Matos. His vocals shine in magical songs like this one. I've already been familiar with his vocals since first listening to Angra 10 years ago. His legacy shall be remembered! This is honestly one of the most beautiful songs I've heard from him since the time I've had with the music of Angra. It's so great hearing such epic elegance especially in the second half that can fit well for a final voyage into the unknown. But there's still one track left in this playlist...

Neurotech - "The Ophidian Symphony" from Symphonies (2016)

5/5. The longest Neurotech symphony of all, at nearly 19 minutes, with many different acts woven together for one of the best epics done by Neurotech or any other artist.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any heavy/power/symphonic/neoclassical metal fan and anyone who isn't into those genres but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here's my review summary:

Catalyst was released in 2006, 17 years before their next album. Their brand of industrial/cyber metal is basically what Fear Factory had at the time but made better and more futuristic. Still the music here is quite unique and can get listeners hooked with the synths and guitars. The first two tracks, also the two of the best, would appear in WWE Day of Reckoning 2. And there are other highlights where heavy guitars and beautiful synths duel each other for some catchy futuristic metal that should really catch on along with everything else here. It's not everyday you can find a practically unknown album that can make your day with its music and lyrics of coldness and loss. Catalyst is a special album to listen to. A dash of melancholy for your industrial/cyber metal heart!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Burn It All", "Beyond Recall", "Silence", "Unbreakable"

For fans of: Fear Factory, Illidiance, Mechina

Fear of Domination has a lot of industrial metal going on alongside the melodic death metal in their first 3 albums. Many of the songs have the distorted guitar crunch and techno beats and keys that can be found in industrial metal. With that, I'd like to submit Fear of Domination's "Call of Schizophrenia", "Create.Control.Exterminate.", and "Distorted Delusions" to the Hall to be added to The Sphere and industrial metal while staying in The Horde and melodic death metal.

The Place After This One can be considered Underoath's very own Architect's The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit, taking on more of an alt-/industrial metal sound. This is where the band adds in more electronic synth experimentation than before, alongside mechanical riffing and vocal distortion. So I'd like to submit Underoath's "The Place After This One" to the Hall to be added to The Sphere while staying in The Gateway.

I haven't been able to conjure up a proper review, but here are my thoughts.

This is an album of bouncy, melodic, mainstream-baiting metal tunes from Japan and as such really isn't intended for a doom-obsessed lover of the darkness that envelops extreme metal such as myself. No surprising then that this didn't do a great deal for me and with which I found it quite hard to connect. Sounds to my jaded ears like a smoothie blended from part Evanescence, part Linkin Park and part Trivium with some electronic touches thrown in especially to irritate me. The singer sounds like he would actually have quite a nice voice given the right material, reminding me of Coheed and Cambria's Eduardo Sanchez, but his metalcore shouting isn't something I can appreciate - as perfectly illustrated by the track "Speak" which just had me thinking "shut up".

I find it quite hard to envision this gaining any popularity among older metal fans like myself who were brought up on a diet of seventies hard rock and eighties heavy metal. But I can easily hear that the younger metalheads who grew up more accustomed to a wider range of external influences such as rap, electronica and post-hardcore being incorporated into their metal may get off on this, particularly if they are drawn to a more melodic version of metal. That said, I have no idea if any true metalhead would ever get much out of the excretious ballad "1st January" which sounds like Robbie Williams at his soppiest. In fact, scrub that because Williams' "Angels" pisses all over this track.

Sorry to anyone who really digs on this, but this is the most positive summary of my feelings towards this that I could manage to summon and I am guessing that more than a single listen would have me getting increasingly abrasive in my assessment. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say, "no, not for me" and this is one of those cases I'm afraid. I tried, I really did... [closes Spotify halfway through "Answer/Sickness"].

1/5

Although Alien Weaponry is more groove-oriented than ever with their new album, Te Ra, they still have their alternative metal side. There's frequent accessibility in the riffs and melodies in many of the songs. So I'd like to submit Alien Weaponry's "Te Rā" to The Hall to be added to The Gateway while staying in The Pit.

A playlist I've made based on the above list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2xLSlZirGiyc1Diexck5p1

And now for another one of melodic metalcore's leading forces (including their live album to stand by my 10-album motive):

Killswitch Engage

1. Killswitch Engage (2000)

2. Alive or Just Breathing

3. Live at the Palladium

4. Atonement

5. Disarm the Descent

6. This Consequence

7. As Daylight Dies

8. The End of Heartache

9. Incarnate

10. Killswitch Engage (2009)

I've done my review, here's its summary:

It's not often a live album gets a perfect score, at least one from me. But the two-CD offering is so awesome, I don't need to get the Blu-ray version. It's basically two of the best Killswitch Engage albums and an encore in a high-quality livestream concert. The technical production here impresses me more than most other live albums. Apparently, there's something going on in the intermission, but I won't spoil the fun of just the CD edition by checking it out. Just listening to the songs make this a pure live experience in the comfort of my own home. With this awesome two-album setlist, it might just blow away their weakest but still amazing releases like The End of Heartache and KSE V. It once again proves that while Howard Jones is still one of the greatest vocalists around, Jesse Leach has the throne with his name engraved in stone!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "The Signal Fire", "The Crownless King", "As Sure as the Sun Will Rise", "Take Control", "I Can’t Be the Only One", "Temple from the Within", "Irreversal", "Rusted Embrace", "In the Unblind", "Just Barely Breathing"

For fans of: Light the Torch, Shadows Fall, Trivium

Skyfire has the typical melodeath aspects of heavy riffing and growled/screamed vocals, but there's more than that in their earlier albums. Alongside the orchestral keyboards, there's enough fast melodic guitarwork, anthemic hooks, and fantasy-ish lyrics to justify also adding the album to power metal. So I'd like to submit Skyfire's "Timeless Departure" and "Mind Revolution" to the Hall to be added to The Guardians and power metal, while maintaining their position in The Horde and melodic death metal. I'd also like to encourage Horde members to vote in the symphonic death metal subgenre for Mind Revolution.

Although I consider the band's sound in their 2010 album Empire a mix of melodic metalcore and melodeath, I don't think I can say the same for their next two albums Uprising and Era. These albums shows a more melodic metalcore sound similar to Trivium. The melodic riffing is more around the hardcore side instead of the extreme yet melodic side of melodeath. So I'd like to submit Bleed from Within's "Uprising" and "Era" to the Hall to be removed from The Horde and the melodic death metal subgenre, while maintaining its position in The Revolution.

Bleed from Within have always been a band sounding worthy of The Revolution, with these two releases being some of their first explorations into melodic metalcore. The instrumentation, screamed vocals, and occasional breakdowns all sound metalcore to me. So I'd like to submit Bleed from Within's "Empire" and "Death Walk" to the Hall to be added to The Revolution and melodic metalcore, while maintaining the former's position in The Horde and melodic death metal and the latter's position in The Pit and groove metal.

The blend of slam death metal and deathcore Mental Cruelty had in their debut album Purgatorium can also be heard in the EP Pereat Mundus. The more hardcore-sounding riffing, screams, and breakdowns steer the band's sound right on the line between the two subgenres. So I'd like to submit Mental Cruelty's "Pereat Mundus" to the Hall to be added to The Revolution and deathcore while maintaining its position in The Horde.

This isn't exactly likely to sit very high on my list of metal favourites, but I would be lying if I said I hated it. On paper this really isn't up my street at all, but there was something I found infectious and likeable in the exuberance with which these Finns delivered their catchy, industrialised alternative metal ditties. In truth, the appeal would probably fade very quickly and even on a single listen the album was a bit too long for my preference. I could definitely do without the nu-metally rap parts and would gladly wave goodbye to those, but for an album of energetic poppy metal anthems this was reasonably tolerable. Damning with faint praise maybe, but considering where my metal tastes lie, that's not bad I would suggest.

2.5/5

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Klank - "Time" from Still Suffering (1995)

4.5/5. A solid start to treat you with what to expect in the playlist and its original album.

Illidiance - "Deformity" from Deformity (2013)

5/5. Another awesome start, exemplifying the band's true sound.

Circle of Dust - "Onenemy (Fury Weekend Remix)" from Circle of Dust (Remixed) (2022)

5/5. Industrial metal song remixes sound incredible when trance synths are added to the mix. Now we need Dance with the Dead or Die Krupps remixing Argyle Park. And we also need more Circle of Dust, though I still enjoy Klayton's main project Celldweller.

Celldweller - "I Believe You" from Celldweller (2003)

4.5/5. Case in point... A few of these amazing songs in Celldweller's debut appear in Dead Rising 2. There is some slight metalcore in here while staying industrial metal.

Cypecore - "Spirals" from Version 4.5: The Dark Chapter (2023)

5/5. This highlight has great harmonies that fit well with the screamed vocals. I also love the cleans and the bridge in the second half.

The Amenta - "Slave" from n0n (2008)

5/5. Another perfect standout, having some killer guest vocals by Nergal of Behemoth.

Death SS - "Heck of a Day" from The 7th Seal (2006)

4.5/5. Heck of a day, a f***ing h*ll of a doomy heavy/industrial metal track.

Nailbomb - "Guerrillas" from Point Blank (1994)

4/5. Another one of my favorites in this Nailbomb album.

OOMPH! - "Feiert das Kreuz" from Sperm (1994)

3.5/5. Another good track from an otherwise poor start to NDH.

Malhavoc - "Empirical Minds" from The Release (1990)

4/5. A wicked early track of thrashy industrial metal, originating from their 1988 EP Shrine.

Fear Factory - "Descent" from Obsolete (1998)

4.5/5. This excellent highlight is the closest we have to a poppy song in this album.

Halo - "Perpetual Rust" from Guattari (From the West Flows Grey Ash and Pestilence) (2001)

4/5. "Crushing, subversive anti-music. Maximum density heaviness fuses with caustic noise textures, creating cascading walls of sound." No better description than that!

Skrew - "Sputnik" from Angel Seed XXIII (1997)

3.5/5. This slow sludgy track is great for a motorcycle ride in the night.

Godflesh - "Live to Lose" from Us and Them (1999)

4/5. This one is probably the best track of the album if you wish to explore more of Godflesh's heavy riffing. It is a bonus track recorded during the Songs of Love and Hate sessions that ended up in this album.

Rammstein - "Laichzeit" from Herzeleid (1995)

4.5/5. Rammstein wouldn't have been suitable for me 10 years ago when I was young and still listening to a lot of power/symphonic metal. This song has a little more German than you wish you learned. But I'm still intrigued by this. And there would be more disturbing sex-filled tracks later where that came from...

Turmion Katilot - "Kuoleman Juuret" from Global Warning (2020)

5/5. This highlight keeps the vocal strength going further with more brutal energy than that Rammstein track.

Sybreed - "I Am Ultraviolence" from The Pulse of Awakening (2009)

4.5/5. After that, I'm reminded how excellent this playlist and the original Sybreed album is with this aggressive violent explosion of heaviness to make up for two earlier slightly out-of-place tracks. The extreme strength of Strapping Young Lad being added here makes a lot more sense.

We Are PIGS, The Anix - "Brazen" from Brazen (2021)

4/5. So beautiful and lively! This is real heartful music to brush aside any audible extra effects. A potential divine hit!

Uniform - "Alone in the Dark" from The Long Walk (2018)

4.5/5. Uniform has made some sick as f*** music including their collaborations with The Body. Sh*t, I can hear both a sped up Electric Wizard and Converge here!

Pitchshifter - "Stop Talking So Loud" from PSI (2002)

4/5. I feel like this is a reminder for what people sometimes say when I speak, "Stop talking so loud, I can't hear what you saying!" Of course I don't actually talk that loud. This song is pleasantly loud and intense though. I also enjoy that f***ing heavy bridge.

Device - "Haze (feat. M. Shadows)" from Device (2013)

3.5/5. This one featuring Avenged Sevenfold vocalist M. Shadows is another solid collab. These guest appearances really help boost the quality of the song's original album in most cases.

Black Comedy - "Lord of Locust" from Instigator (2008)

4/5. Nice track! Such a shame this band isn't so active and popular.

Combichrist - "Planet Doom" from CMBCRST (2024)

4.5/5. Exciting electro-industrial metal that's not totally out of line. You can dance to the electronic rhythm and headbanging to the guitar riffing. So wicked and amazing!

Neurotech - "Decipher" from The Decipher Volumes (2013)

5/5. The ultimate highlight of this entire playlist is this 7-minute instrumental epic. It's surprising because it's just the soft ethereal new age of Enigma and Vangelis. This atmospheric mini-journey is in a similar vein to the softer half of Blue Screen Planet. Beautiful and suitable for the near-end of a Sphere playlist.

Megaherz - "Augenblick" from 5 (2004)

4.5/5. Finally, we end with one of the best tracks of NDH, also a soft ballad. But don't worry, more of the earlier metallic action will continue in the next playlist...

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Dal Av - "Petrichor" from Petrichor (2022)

4.5/5. Here's a brutal intro to start it all. Check out this ultra-heavy breakdown!

Like Moths to Flames - "The Worst in Me" from When We Don't Exist (2011)

5/5. And the heaviness keeps going! I can understand who later bands like Bad Omens and Beartooth have gotten their respective sounds from.

Shadow of Intent - "The Prelude to Bereavement" from Primordial (2016)

5/5. The rising dramatic strings that begin this glorious highlight might make you think it's an actual prelude, but that all changes when the heavy instrumentation comes in. It's basically a more epic brutal hardcore take on the Finnish melodeath of Insomnium and Omnium Gatherum!

Killswitch Engage - "Forever Aligned" from This Consequence (2025)

4.5/5. Jesse Leach still has his vocal strength just like in those kick-A first two albums. The music is amazing including the harsh vocal verses. This catchy banger shall age well. I also hear a bit of a modern Soilwork vibe. And this is a few months after All That Remains and As I Lay Dying also made their respective comebacks. I enjoy the chorus despite a slight issue with Adam D.'s cleans, probably would've been better with Howard Jones there instead of Adam. The outro is so beautiful too!

August Burns Red - "Your Little Suburbia in Ruins" from Thrill Seeker: 20th Anniversary Edition (2025)

5/5. The opening has a catchy riff and fast drums, leading into an earth-shattering breakdown. That's a fast song with interesting riffs that are never cliche.

All That Remains - "The Piper" from Antifragile (2025)

5/5. This one is a more technical highlight, displaying his talents that help take the band to the next level. There's a lot more complexity than before while balancing it out with the usual hooks. Wonderful!

HEAVENSGATE - "RATKING" from RATKING (2024)

4.5/5. Heavensgate (the metalcore band, not the 80s/90s power metal one) was formed by David Wilder and Josh Ang when they were pushed out of Dealer. I have a feeling this may be an attack on Dealer vocalist Eliaz's abuse allegations, "separate art from artist with a head cut off".

Carnifex - "How the Knife Gets Twisted" from Necromanteum (2023)

5/5. One of my favorite bangers from the new Carnifex album. The epic chorus seals the deal of the band joining the symphonic blackened deathcore league, practically different from their sound in earlier more brutal albums like Until I Feel Nothing.

Demon Hunter - "Worlds Apart" from Worlds Apart (2024)

5/5. I believe it was Killing Floor 2 that got my brother and eventually me into listening to this band, with a couple of his favorite songs from the band in that game's soundtrack. And today, they're still creating awesome bangers like this one.

Amaranthe - "Supersonic" from Maximalism (2016)

4.5/5. The most impressive track of its original album with supersonic up-tempo synth-metal instrumentation blended with choir vocals that tribute to Queen much better than "That Song".

BOI WHAT - "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" from Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2025)

4/5. Seems like BOI WHAT is doing covers now. I just hope he will do Motionless in White's "Cyberhex" (Plankton and Karen). This Green Day cover was made after Bring Me the Horizon's cover of "Wonderwall". I especially like how part of the second verse is turned into a brutal breakdown. We didn't ask for that cover, but I'm glad we got it.

In Hearts Wake - "Traveller (The Fool)" from Divination (2012)

3.5/5. Another solid track with good vocals, especially the cleans.

Plague Thy Child - "Autumn" from Plague Thy Child (2001)

3/5. This one combines that brutal sound with dark melodies, sounding quite beautiful, but everything else about the song and its original album is too bland or unclear.

A Day to Remember - "I'm Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?" from Homesick (2009)

3.5/5. Homesick still has some heavy metalcore bangers despite emphasizing their pop punk side more. The classic lineup from this album and For Those Who Have Heart is a solid one, despite guitarist Tom Denney leaving the band shortly after, and Joshua Woodard having recently left the band after You're Welcome due to abuse allegations and causing someone's death in a car crash. The guest vocals by Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada) are quite wild.

Architects - "Curse" from The Sky, the Earth & All Between (2025)

4/5. Apparently, this banger from the new Architects album is in the soundtrack of WWE 2025. So f***ing underrated, with choruses that sound like the choruses they're meant to be. Plus a bit of Bring Me the Horizon vibes here and there.

Lauren Babic - "Sanctuary" from Too Much and Never Enough (2025)

3.5/5. From beautiful to vicious, Lauren's vocals can practically rival Emily Armstrong.

Annisokay - "STFU" from Aurora (2021)

4/5. I hear a bit of Asking Alexandria of In Hearts Wake here. F***ing brutal lyrics in this one!

Lamb of God - "Ruin" from As the Palaces Burn (2003)

4.5/5. Didn't expect a Lamb of God track here, did you? I just realized that a few of their earlier classic tracks still have some metalcore/hardcore potential. I love the awesome intro and pummeling breakdown.

Imminence - "Continuum (feat. Niklas Karlsson)" from Continuum (2024) 

5/5. The perfection of Imminence's new singles continues with this highlight, sounding both brutal and beautiful. Like f***ing beyond beautiful! And more brutal thanks to Niklas Karlsson of Orbit Culture.

Shokran - "Imhotep: The Falcon of Gold" from Duat (2024)

4.5/5. Another crushing track to take the throne. Enough said!

Void of Vision - "Purge" from Broken // Bones (2016)

4.5/5. F***ing sh*t, this is brutal! Too bad that band is gone now.

ERRA - "Render the Void" from Impulse (2011)

5/5. Erra and Silent Planet are a couple of the most underrated bands in progressive metalcore. This is one of the f***ing best songs by this band, especially that two-minute outro of glory.

Every Time I Die - "Punch-Drunk Punk Rock Romance" from Last Night in Town (2001)

4.5/5. Ooh yeah, Howard Jones before he joined Killswitch Engage! He appears near the two-minute mark.

God Forbid - "Gone Forever" from Gone Forever (2004)

5/5. Another awesome song with great soloing!

If Not for Me - "Tragedy" from Everything You Wanted (2024)

4.5/5. Yet another heavy beautiful banger to love. What else can I say?

Converge - "Color Me Blood Red" from Petitioning the Empty Sky (1996)

5/5. The last studio song of this Converge release is one of my favorites here and delights me with tight metal melody over an incredible breakdown. Then it goes on with killer metalcore until the end.

From Autumn to Ashes - "Pioneers" from Holding a Wolf by the Ears (2007)

4.5/5. From Autumn to Ashes are one of the timeless pioneers are blending metalcore with emocore, but they ended up splitting up after this album's release. However, they've been performing live for a decade after reforming. Let's hope for a new album soon...

Rolo Tomassi - "Fantasia" from Hysterics (2008)

5/5. An underrated progressive Nintendo-ish mathcore epic! The second half ends it all similarly to one of Cult of Luna's closing tracks.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Mechina - "Godspeed, Vanguards" from As Embers Turn to Dust (2017)

5/5. The namesake album for the band's saga and this playlist begins with this epic which really shows what the band is about, as sci-fi sounds lead into orchestration, djenty riffing, and blasts all over. The production is quite solid, though it can't top the perfection of the previous two albums. The composition is sealed together in great synergy.

Avenged Sevenfold - "Nightmare" from Nightmare (2010)

4.5/5. Avenged Sevenfold, Evanescence, and Linkin Park are some of the most popular rock/metal bands in the new millennium. It's the kind of popularity you wish the original Teen Titans series would have and continue but instead is given to its dreaded spinoff Teen Titans Go. The heavier metal side of those bands is that long-gone yet underrated side. Still this is a modern classic popular amongst my family and friends.

Lethal - "Fire in Your Skin" from Programmed (1990)

4/5. Then we have classics from 80s/early 90s metal bands that were massively popular back then before the grunge/nu metal era. And somehow the more underrated songs like this one end up getting overshadowed.

Judas Priest - "Invincible Shield" from Invincible Shield (2024)

4.5/5. And a few of the very early metal bands are still going on since the 70s, probably the earliest one still active being Judas Priest. It's impressive how these guys who are over 70 keep up the strength they had in that classic heavy metal era.

Ozzy Osbourne - "Over the Mountain" from Diary of a Madman (1981)

4/5. OK, technically Black Sabbath would qualify the earliest metal band still active today, but their ultimate final concert in July comes after the band and Ozzy Osbourne himself retired from touring 7 to 8 years ago. Even young listeners in their 20s such as myself can jam out to classics by the Prince of Darkness. RIP guitarist Randy Rhoads

Dio - "The Last in Line" from The Last in Line (1984)

3.5/5. Around the time of that Ozzy Osbourne album above, Ronnie James Dio was with Black Sabbath, then he left and formed his own band Dio, as we all know. It starts off sounding a little too much like a Scorpions ballad in the one-minute intro, then we end up getting stronger classic metal. What a legend Dio was, RIP... And holy sh*t, what a blazing solo at the 3-minute mark. This song might just be suitable for radio, or at least it was in the 80s. We're the last in line!

Metallica - "Lux Æterna" from 72 Seasons (2023)

4/5. Now let's head to the new decade again and crank up the speed! No matter how much they've changed, there's still talent within this transcendence between styles.

Iron Maiden - "Hallowed Be Thy Name" from The Number of the Beast (1982)

3.5/5. Not totally the best, but I can understand how people can consider this another immortal classic.

White Zombie - "Children of the Grave" from Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath (1994)

4/5. Black Sabbath vs. White Zombie! Who performed this song better?! You decide! Great take on the original, though I'm not sure that Manson murders sample was called for or related to the original song.

Omen - "Teeth of the Hydra" from The Curse (1986)

4.5/5. Again we have heavy/power metal classics from the 80s that are hard to find in the modern era. Apparently, this one is inspired by Jason and the Argonauts. It's worth repeat listens and hearing the vocal glory of J.D. Kimball, RIP. This band is basically like Crimson Glory at that time with more battle-ready hymns. Quite superb and spell-binding! The soloing and bridge are also worth headbanging to. Peace, love, and 80s metal classics!

DragonForce - "A Draco Tale" from A Draco Tale (2024)

5/5. DragonForce has made another video game-based song, telling the tale of Draco from Brawl Stars. I love the chorus in this one. Let's go, Draco!

Kamelot - "The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)" from The Black Halo (2005)

5/5. Then we have the most likeable single in Kamelot's breakthrough album The Black Halo, a nice melodic contrast with the heavier tracks. The character Marguerite is sung by Simone Simons from Epica, that band who named themselves after the previous Kamelot album.

Blind Guardian - "The Quest for Tanelorn" from Somewhere Far Beyond (Revisited) (2024)

4.5/5. For any fan of fantasy books by writers like Michael Moorcock, you're bound to find something familiar in tracks like this one that refers to the fictional city of Tanelorn. Here we have a classic revisited! The music and lyrics are all quite pleasant. The storytelling grandeur would all lead to what they had in Nightfall in Middle-Earth.

Alestorm - "Keelhauled" from Black Sails at Midnight (2009)

4/5. Pirate metal is a genre that might be too cheesy for some, but it can still be quite fun. Still I've matured past being able to handle the cheesiness.

Rhapsody of Fire - "Diamond Claws" from Challenge the Wind (2024)

4/5. The Nephilim's Empire Saga is still going on, and Rhapsody of Fire are going strong. The soloing surrounding the 3-minute mark rules!

Estate - "Matter of Time" from Mirrorland (2018)

4.5/5. Then we go slightly more progressive alongside some beautiful vocals. The arrangement is quite excellent, having that Avantasia vibe without any of the guest vocalists. Give us more!

Firewind - "Fallen Angel" from Stand United (2024)

5/5. Epic speedy power metal similar to DragonForce! This highlight also appears in the NHL 25 soundtrack.

Stratosphere - "The Battle Within" from Fire Flight (2010)

4.5/5. A little less speed while having the neoclassical progressiveness of Royal Hunt, along with the amazing voice of Goran Edman. Works well for something neoclassical.

Warmen - "Salieri Strikes Back" from Beyond Abilities (2001)

4/5. Load up the neoclassical harpsichord and shredding, though maybe not too much next time.

Epica - "Canvas of Life" from The Quantum Enigma (2014)

4.5/5. Some symphonic metal ballads are still suitable for me when it's all about beauty in the music and depth in the lyrics. This is still one of my favorite Epica tracks, and it fits well for anyone's safe haven.

Starkill - "Detonate" from Gravity (2019)

5/5. Now this is the kind of symphonic metal I still find awesome, blending heaviness and melody at ease. Great chorus is this absolutely underrated song!

Queensryche - "Roads to Madness" from The Warning (1984)

4.5/5. And lastly, another sick 9-minute epic that's like Queensryche's own "Heaven and Hell"/"Hallowed Be Thy Name".

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any heavy/power/symphonic/neoclassical metal fan and anyone who isn't into those genres but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Ben, please add There for Tomorrow. Their 2004 debut Point of Origin is considered melodic metalcore in RYM.

A Spotify playlist I've made based on my Neurotech favorite tracks list: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1fe4e87QJUw8Ej9JxkUUEu

And now for one of the most diverse one-man projects in industrial/cyber metal, coming from Slovenia:

Neurotech (including EPs that aren't compiled in albums)

1. Stigma

2. Infra Versus Ultra

3. Ave Neptune

4. Symphonies

5. Memory Eternal

6. Solace

7. The Decipher Volumes

8. Symphonies II

9. The Catalyst

10. Unreleased Demos (2011 - 2016)

11. Blue Screen Planet

12. In Remission

13. Antagonist

14. Transhuman

15. Evasive

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Accept - "Metal Heart" from Metal Heart (1985)

4.5/5. 40 years ago, this is what metalheads call a banger, and I agree with them. I love how they added in some classical themes from Tchaikovsky and Beethoven.

Capilla Ardiente - "The Hands of Fate Around My Neck" from Where Gods Live and Men Die (2024)

4/5. A doomy heavy metal epic. Enough said!

Throne of Iron - "Past the Doors of Death" from Adventure One (2020)

3.5/5. Same with this one, though here it has a more galloping pace.

Savatage - "Strange Reality" from Streets - A Rock Opera (1991)

4/5. Another melodic heavy metal highlight to sing along to.

Sabaton - "Unbreakable" from The Art of War (2008)

4.5/5. This progressive highlight is one of the best songs I've heard by Sabaton, and I still think that today. It's the band's own Black Sabbath "Heaven and Hell"!

Heavenly - "Sign of the Winner" from Sign of the Winner (2001)

5/5. Absolute power metal greatness with superb guitarwork by Frédéric Leclercq who would later become the bassist for DragonForce.

Blind Guardian - "Nightfall" from Nightfall in Middle-Earth (1998)

4.5/5. I still know this track as a power metal classic, better than that d*mn "Bard's Song". This is how I knew the character Morgoth before the German death metal band.

Saxon - "Crusader" from Crusader (1984)

4/5. Anyone into NWOBHM, join the Saxon crusade!

Medieval Steel - "Medieval Steel" from Medieval Steel (1984, reissued on The Dungeon Tapes (2005))

4.5/5. I hope this doesn't sound sinful, but this track sounds like Twisted Sister gone Riot/Omen. That said, it really rocks out as a metal hymn. It's practically the band's own theme song! Not all heroes wear capes; some wield swords or play metal. Classic heavy metal can be quite interesting.

Lethal - "Arrival" from Programmed (1990) 

4/5. Classic tracks like this still exist. Keep it real!

Taramis - "Doesn't Seem" from Queen of Thieves (1988)

4.5/5. Cool 80s progressive power metal right there!

Conception - "Silent Crying" from Parallel Minds (1993)

5/5. A fantastic out-of-this world ballad, and I don't usually say that about ballads. I haven't heard Conception until, but I'm glad there's the beauty of Roy Khan's singing before he joined Kamelot. Such a wonderful piece! From what I heard, Conception is kinda like a more progressive take on Khan's early years with Kamelot. They've recently returned with a new EP and album. The ballad reminds me of the ones by early Nevermore and Crimson Glory. There's nothing cheesy in this plate!

Rampage - "Benevolent Approach" from Acid Storm demo (1986, reissued on Veil of Mourn (1988))

4.5/5. After that slow ballad, we go fast again with this pretty amazing heavy/speed metal demo track.

Brocas Helm - "Fly High" from Black Death (1988)

4/5. Another great hymn with slight hints of Iron Maiden.

Attacker - "Battle at Helm Deep" from Downfall (1985)

3.5/5. 80s US power metal, closer to classic heavy metal, before Stratovarius and Hammerfall stormed in from Europe.

Destiny's End - "Breathe Deep the Dark" from Breathe Deep the Dark (1998)

4/5. In the 90s, Iced Earth and Destiny's End were still cranking up their classic heavy/US power metal sound. You might also know James Rivera as the vocalist of Helstar.

Concerto Moon - "The Gold Digger" from Back Beyond Time (2023)

3.5/5. Pretty good, but a little goofy for a band keeping up the Japanese power/neoclassical metal scene started by Galneryus.

Vitalij Kuprij - "Piano Overture" from Forward & Beyond (2004)

4/5. RIP Vitalij Kuprij. Enjoy this cool cover of Moonlight Sonata with Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo.

Within Temptation - "Caged" from Mother Earth (2000)

4.5/5. Then we have the slow folk-ish highlight "Caged". Both the vocals by Sharon den Adel and the instrumentation are quite diverse. The peaceful calmness are at the right dose here, before it all ends up crashing down later in the original album.

Nightwish - "Ghost Love Score" from Once (2004)

4.5/5. The true epic of this playlist and its original album, and very much everything the album has already offered is blended together greatly. First we have a couple verses with more of the Eastern sitar, then it slows down to a ballad-like section, and after that, we have a lovely orchestral break that is well-executed. Immediately when the metal comes back on, you're hit by one of the most epic moments in symphonic metal, right before Tarja continues singing. And the rest is memorable too.

Mechina - "When Honor Meets Steel" from Venator (2022)

5/5. An aggressive way to head out than can pulverize those earlier melodic tracks, complete with blasts and more growls, most of them coming from guest vocalist Anna Hel. So brutally awesome!

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any heavy/power/symphonic/neoclassical metal fan and anyone who isn't into those genres but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Starkill started taking on more of an Epica/Trail of Tears-style symphonic metal direction in their latest album Gravity, but they still have their earlier melodeath in the heavy riffing and growled/screamed vocals. There are also enough fast melodic guitarwork, anthemic hooks, and fantasy lyrics to justify also adding the album to power metal. So I'd like to send Starkill's "Gravity" to the Hall with two submissions to be:

1. Added to power metal.

2. Added to The Horde and melodic death metal.

If the latter entry passes, I'd like to encourage Horde members to vote in the symphonic death metal subgenre.

Here's my review summary:

What makes Stormlord stand out in the symphonic black metal pack is the lyrics centered around Italian mythology, and it fits well for when the music alternates between melodic and thrashy. At the Gates of Utopia is the band's second album and their first with the locally popular Scarlet Records after a decade in the underground. Many songs have an epic black metal structure of fast guitars and drums occasionally slowing down for a gloomy section. Even people like me who aren't into black metal that much can enjoy this power and glory. There's also some dramatic choir and male operatic singing. Still we have great speed in the guitars, bass, and drums, in conjunction with the epic atmosphere. As amazing as At the Gates of Utopia is, I still don't feel up to switching back to the on side of my on-off relationship with black metal. Nonetheless, this is the best I've heard from symphonic black metal in a long while, particularly in some highly memorable tracks including the title intermission. As for a couple tracks, they rule too but could've had less forced ideas. With all that said, power metal-ish symphonic black metal might just be worth it for any metal listener!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "Under the Samnites' Spears", "Xanadu (A Vision in a Dream)", "At the Gates of Utopia", "The Curse of Medusa", "The Secrets of the Earth"

For fans of: Arcturus' 1996 debut, Bal-Sagoth, Demoniac (the pre-DragonForce band formed in New Zealand)

Here's my review summary:

The musical journey of Trail of Tears was filled with sorrow (Helena Iren Michaelsen era), darkness (A New Dimension of Might), violence (Kjetil Nordhus era), and accessible glory (Cathrine Paulsen's second era). It really is a shame that the band fell apart after Bloodstained Endurance and Oscillation. The talented voice of Cathrine can't be found anywhere besides this band and Lucid Fear. During the split, Ronny Thorsen was in a different band, Viper Solfa. And now these extreme gothic metallers are reborn! Two singles were released, leading up to the EP Winds of Disdain. Their greatness is still in full force, but a new female vocalist has stepped in, Ailyn. Here we have crushing guitars, bombastic symphonics, bass/drum assaults, and cool synth effects to reminds us who they are. I look forward to if the band ever makes a new album with this kind of sound plus more of the occasional acoustic section and audible bass. An absolute must for any symphonic gothic metal fan. Oscillation wasn't their final stand after all!

5/5

Recommended tracks: all of them, especially "Winds of Disdain", "No Colours Left"

For fans of: Epica, Sirenia, Starkill

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Fear Factory - "Edgecrusher" from Obsolete (1998)

4.5/5. I like how the first track of this playlist starts with a disclaimer saying "Due to the graphic nature of this program, listener discretion is advised." Interestingly, the playlist has only a couple "explicit" tracks in the middle. Anyway, the tough lyrics and hip-hop beat sound quite odd in the band's attempt to discard their death metal roots, yet it brings me great delight. Guilty pleasure, much!?

Turmion Kätilöt - "Pirun Nyrkki" from Pirun Nyrkki (2006)

5/5. This was actually the first track of the first very Sphere playlist back in August 2020, so it's the perfect throwback to that, a true highlight combining speed with industrial synths, almost like a blend of Strapping Young Lad and Deathstars.

Deathstars - "The Last Ammunition" from Termination Bliss (2006)

5/5. Speaking of Deathstars, holy sh*t, this is another brilliant highlight. There really should've been a single for this, being the 3rd-best song of its original album (behind "Cyanide" and "Blitzkrieg"), though maybe I would find better songs in the others. If there ever was a video for this song, it could be the soundtrack for the combat sequence of a modern war video game. With dramatic rhythm, synths, and vocals, this is as perfect bliss as those two other favorites. You must check them out!

Rabbit Junk - "Denature" from Denature (2021)

4.5/5. Now this shall shine well in this playlist. I can probably sing along to this catchy tune.

Terminal Choice - "Don't Go" from New Born Enemies (2006)

4/5. I like this cover of a Yazoo hit. Tracks like this shall never go away!

Ludovico Technique - "Embrace" from Haunted People (2022)

3.5/5. Another newfound dark industrial metal track, though the chorus is a bit repetitive.

Sphere (NO) - "Primordial" from Primordial (2013)

4/5. Shouldn't this band be called Horde/Infinite/Sphere because of the industrial/cyber metal mixed with djenty melodeath? Jokes aside, that chorus f***ing rules! This blend of cleans and uncleans can also be found in Black Comedy. "MAKE 'EM BLEED."

Digimortal - "Белое знамя" from Белое знамя (2024)

4.5/5. Stay loyal to this modern cyber metal sound, help keep it alive!

Neurotech - "The Serpent Bites" from Ave Neptune (2023)

5/5. This absolute highlight might just be one of my favorite tracks by this band, with excellent riffing and a catchy chorus.

Oblivion Machine - "Shield Mode" from Zero-Gravity (2011)

4.5/5. Groove-ish industrial/cyber metal suitable for Star Trek and Warframe.

Circle of Dust - "Telltale Crime" from Brainchild (1994)

5/5. A lot more people need to hear more of Klayton's underrated pre-Celldweller projects.

Blue Stahli - "Gravity" from Obsidian (2021)

4.5/5. Bret Autrey's singing sounds so peaceful in the heavy instrumentation. That's what I love about Blue Stahli.

Cypecore - "Neoteric Gods" from Make Me Real (2024)

5/5. This one kicks off the technical action hard. This is deathly djenty industrial/groove metal at its best! It impresses me with its background synths and its dark yet anthemic chorus. I love it, and I'm sure Cypecore fans would too.

The Axis of Perdition - "This, Then, in Paradise?" from Deleted Scenes From the Transition Hospital (2005)

4.5/5. Industrial metal takes a more ambient black metal turn with this nightmarish yet beautiful beast.

The Amenta - "Obliterate’s Prayer" from Flesh is Heir (2013)

5/5. This highlight has gigantic hooks to obliterate anything in the song's path.

Corrections House - "Dirt Poor and Mentally Ill" from Last City Zero (2013)

4.5/5. This one has chanting vocals while still making room for Williams' rage. Soon the lyrics become more poetic, especially in the spoken bridge.

Sybreed - "Bioactive (Neurotech Remix)" from Bioactive Remixes (2025)

5/5. Now this is the best of both worlds! As with the original, you get to hear the members drive through sonic cyber/industrial metal without relying too much on electronics. Here we have the powerful drumming of Alex Anxionaz, showing a bit of Fear Factory influence, the gloomy vocals of Benjamin Nominet ranging from clean to harsh, the heavy guitar grooves of Drop, and the burning bass of Burn.

Nine Inch Nails - "Give Up" from Fixed (1992)

4.5/5. This remix is a great example of how the guitar riff blasts are still around despite the industrial parts.

Eisbrecher - "Kaltfront" from Kaltfront (2025)

4/5. Eisbrecher has a new album coming out later this month or so. Fans of Rammstein and other NDH shall get the h*ll ready!

Viter - "Two Colors" from Springtime (2012)

3.5/5. Viter blends industrial metal with medieval folk similarly to Subway to Sally, which is nice, but not totally my thing.

Rammstein - "Engel" from Sehnsucht (1997)

4/5. Singing along to Rammstein's lyrics is a great way to learn German, though I'm better off staying with English and my native language.

Morgoth - "A New Start" from Feel Sorry for the Fanatic (1996)

4.5/5. Morgoth had a different start with this album, a detour into alt-/industrial metal as opposed to their usual death metal.

KMFDM - "Trust" from Nihil (1995)

4/5. This one has another female sung chorus, by Dorona Alberti, "Do what you can, what you want, what you must, feel the hunger inside, don't lose your trust", which has a funny similarity to Steely Dan, and is ironic during the battle for idealism that ends up getting lost.

Tyrant of Death - "Biomechanical" from Biomechanical (2014)

4.5/5. I shouldn't have to explain this amazing 10-minute instrumental djenty industrial metal epic.

Black Light Discipline - "Faded" from Faded (2018)

4/5. Black Light Discipline have their own underrated cyber metal sound going on. There's much more emotion in his vocals than in the original Alan Walker song. You know how much I love covers that metalize the original song and give it their own spin. I like the more top-notch upbeat sound here. The bass is quite cool too.

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

Underoath - "Breathing in a New Mentality" from Lost in the Sound of Separation (2008)

5/5. Honestly, this opening highlight can really take you by surprise by starting with riffs, drumming, and screams in a lower volume before shoving heavy loudness through your mouth and throat. This is a far more powerful opener than that of the previous album and playlist. Spencer Chamberlain's screaming sound demanding while Aaron Gillespie's drumming dominates and the guitar chords cuts more sharply than razor blades.

Trivium - "Rain" from Ascendancy (2005)

5/5. This next song kicks off the metal action in a vicious bang, setting a feverish pace maintained throughout its original album.

Falling in Reverse - "Raised by Wolves" from The Drug in Me Is You (2011)

4.5/5. Pre-Popular Monster Falling in Reverse isn't really metal nor something I really like, but this kick-A first track of their debut is as metalcore as they could get back then, mixing it with their usual pop punk similarly to early A Day to Remember.

BOI WHAT - "Let Me Crawl" from Let Me Crawl (2025)

4.5/5. Plankton AI metal goes Linkin Park/Memphis May Fire/Architects.

Bleed from Within - "Hands of Sin" from Hands of Sin (2024)

5/5. An awesome hard-hitter with a deep chorus, "Stood on the outside I'm looking in, holding peace in hands of sin. This moral mind wears a second skin, the end is now where I begin."

Shadow of Intent - "The Return" from Reclaimer (2017)

5/5. Technical deathcore is practically combined with the symphonic power metal guitarwork of Symphony X and Iced Earth. If the clean vocals were higher and more operatic, the band would've beaten Dragoncorpse in that game. Plus there's some medieval harpsichord! Now there's still the more extreme side of the spectrum with the brutal breakdown and the blackened death growls. It's amazing that the vocalist Ben Duerr would still have that power in their next album.

Carnifex - "No Light Shall Save Us" from World War X (2019)

4.5/5. An antiheroic anthem to love and embrace the darkness, featuring Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz.

A Night in Texas - "The God Delusion" from The River Delusion (2015)

4/5. Death metal/core continues to strike with its great cosmos-destroying might.

The Acacia Strain - "Beast" from Wormwood (2010)

4.5/5. "Whatever is necessary to do, you do it. Whenever somebody needs to be killed, there's no wrong, you do it, and you move on." "My life is a shooting range, people never change." Those lyrics are better taken as an incentive for taking on video game bosses. F***ing bad-a** downtempo deathcore featuring Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed.

CABAL - "Redemption Denied" from Redemption Denied (2025)

4/5. Another underrated band rises in the deathcore horde. Let's all stop being fixated on the behind-the-scenes drama of the genre and focus on how sick the music's gonna be this year. Other bands heading up include Humanity's Last Breath, Black Tongue, and Paleface Swiss. The lyrics and drumming are quite great here. So brutal as f*** with lots of creativity and noise.

Dal Av, Andy Cizek - "Remember Me" from Remember Me (2023)

4.5/5. With Monuments vocalist Andy Cizek onboard, it's a battle of demons and angels that can make any car ride brutal. Absolute djenty metalcore gold!

Shokran - "Supreme Truth" from Supreme Truth (2014)

4/5. I love this track getting me hypnotized by the riffs and growls sounding like Whitechapel while mixed with stunning melodies.

Mindsnare - "Flood" from Credulity (1996)

3.5/5. Pretty good early hardcore/metalcore track though it would've been better without that one-minute intro ("CAN YOU HEAR ME!?!").

Ice Nine Kills - "Dead is the New Black" from The Burning (2007)

4/5. This is from Ice Nine Kills' earlier era before they went all intense and horror-themed. Spencer Charnas is quite talented in his vocals and guitarwork. They've already gotten past their ska punk phase at this point.

Vianova - "Melanchronic" from Melanchronic (2025)

4.5/5. A sick song for a fun night drive, almost like Neurotech gone metalcore.

Get the Shot - "Pit of Misery" from Pit of Misery (2025)

4/5. This journey through brutal death/metalcore insanity isn't over yet...

Parkway Drive - "It's Hard to Speak Without a Tongue" from Killing with a Smile (2005)

4.5/5. This one is a standout track beginning with a simple clean guitar riff before drilling drums and thunderous bass come in followed and impressive solo-like melody. The melody fades into a quieter riff to fit it with the growling. That melody is used again the chorus section. An unusually well-balanced song for Parkway Drive!

Eighteen Visions - "A Short Walk Down a Long Hallway" from Vanity (2002)

5/5. The best track of its original album for me. The singing, soloing, riffing, and lyrics all reach their very peak. "Disgust, disgrace, you'll slap that look right off of my face, I'll play God, I'll play dead, You'll be the one to shoot me in the head." I also love the screaming by Corey Darst from The Pretty Weapons who was also a live vocalist for Zao.

Imminence - "Proclaim" from The Reclamation of I (2024)

4.5/5. The violin that starts this track might have some listeners confused thinking they put on a My Dying Bride album, but then it explodes into dramatic metalcore, not too far off from The Showdown's 2004 debut instrumentally.

Make Them Suffer - "No Hard Feelings" from Make Them Suffer (2024)

5/5. Alex Reade has more of the divine spotlight in this highlight. The heaviness is toned down slightly for some lovely melody, while staying fast and killer. Sean Harmanis continues his harsh screams while also offering some gruff singing behind Reade. They both might make the best metal vocal duo of the year alongside Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong!

Alleviate - "Forevermore" from DMNS (2024)

4.5/5. One of the heaviest songs I've heard in modern metalcore. You don't wanna miss out on the chaos that is two minutes of your life you want more of. This banger is more brutal than even the heaviest of As I Lay Dying. Lots of interesting fire to make up for the worst of times.

Graphic Nature - "Human" from Who Are You When No One is Watching? (2024)

4/5. This one has more melodic synths, while blending it with heavy guitars, a balance already mastered by Sleep Token.

Hollow Front - "Caved In" from Homewrecker (2017)

3.5/5. Pretty cool, but I wish there could've been some Cave In-like experimentation.

Convictions - "Sleeping Lotus" from The Fear of God (2024)

4/5. Such a destructive yet beautiful tune. What else can I say?

Inertia - "Theist" from Unlearn (2017)

4.5/5. Bad-a** lyrics once again, with the music reminding me of Polaris.

Half Me - "Fatalist" from Opium EP (2024)

4/5. "I WILL DIE AS A FATALIST!!!!!" The breakdown goes quite hard, as much as the ones by Thrown, whom they have collaborated with previously.

Rolo Tomassi - "Opalescent" from Grievance (2015)

4.5/5. Rolo Tomassi never disappoints! The drums start off jazzy then, at the end, rise into massive blackened blasts. The instrumentation and vocals are quite beautiful, though if there was any screamed vocals, it would've been perfect.

Ion Dissonance - "(D.A.B.D.A.) State of Discomposure" from Cast the First Stone (2016)

5/5. See what I mean!? Those growled/screamed vocals help make this the fantastic nearly 9-minute mathcore epic it is.

Revnoir - "Revenge" from Revenge (2025)

4.5/5. Revnoir, along with Landmvrks, Novelists, and Resolve, have the ambition to bring light to the French metalcore scene with heavy bangers like this. D*mn, I'm so proud of those guys!

All That Remains - "Blood & Stone" from Antifragile (2025)

5/5. Finally we have this epic emotional closing track. The piano intro and outro are performed by none other than Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater. And in between is a metalcore extravaganza of heavy riffs and whimsical DragonForce-like leads. Philip Labonte lets out perhaps his most dynamic vocals to date. The perfect way to close this masterpiece album and this playlist!

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any metalcore fan and anyone who isn't into metalcore but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!

Here's my review summary:

I would've thought this smooth cyber/industrial metal sound was weird a few years ago, before I realized its true potential. Now it's something so fresh and unique that's hard to find in any other band or style. Ave Neptune continues restoring the many aspects of Neurotech's material from 10 years prior, while adding new stuff including the occasional acoustic bridge and even extreme blast beats. Wulf's ongoing journey of electronics blended with metal is something once done by Dead by April and The Browning, only mellower and more focused on electronics while still having a great deal of metal, with excellent riffing, pleasant singing, and catchy choruses. All in all, Ave Neptune has been an amazing experience in the cyber realm of Neurotech, with some of my newfound favorite tracks by the band. I look forward to hearing more of the band's discography and finding out which albums can surpass this one. All hail Neurotech!

4.5/5

Recommended tracks: "Mundane Entropy", "The Serpent Bites", "Repent in Need", "Inner Quest", "The Years of the Flood"

For fans of: Deathstars, Mechina, The Browning's "Skybreaker"

Here's my review summary:

Shadow of Intent made a couple albums based on their favorite video game franchise Halo. After that, with another new lineup, Ben Duerr and Chris Wiseman have made a separate concept album about mass suicides at the hands of a demonic goddess. So dark, so depressing, yet... so intriguing! Until at least 5 years ago, I was never really into deathcore. At first I thought it was like standard death metal with metalcore breakdowns. The kind of deathcore I prefer is when the genre goes progressive and symphonic. I only just discovered this band a couple years ago, and eventually it has managed to grow on me with epic extreme songs showcasing the harsh vocals by Ben Duerr and the searing guitar work of Chris Wiseman, alongside orchestration filled with eeriness and drama. Before this discovery, albums like Make Them Suffer's Neverbloom and Lorna Shore's Pain Remains have been my go-to albums for symphonic deathcore. In comes Shadow of Intent's Melancholy, an epic riff-tastic melodic deathcore album to please any metalhead. I just found a new best album of 2019!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Gravesinger", "Barren and Breathless Macrocosm", "Dirge of the Void", "The Dreaded Mystic Abyss", "Malediction"

For fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Lorna Shore, early Make Them Suffer

https://metal.academy/hall/571

We definitely don't need to worry about that now. Seems like RYM is aware of the scene/genre situation and will fix the issue in a later update. Here's what they had to say:

"For the moment Scene and Movement voting is still mixed in with genre voting on this page, even though they are now displayed separately. The voting UI for this will be improved at some point in the future.

"For Scenes and Movements the primary/secondary vote distinction is irrelevant, it is recommended to just vote them up in the Primary section but in the future the voting data for these will likely be combined. Again this is something that will be improved in future site updates."

While I guess Mirror's Edge is a staple of The Gateway, it doesn't do a whole lot for me I must admit. The first track proper, "Afterimage" is the only one to offer any appeal to me, the female vocals being very nice and the track generally being less in-your-face than the other material. An overall sound that seems like a mixture of metalcore, nu-metal, djent and some industrial and electronic stylings, it doesn't speak to me at all, but its choppy riffing and angst-ridden vocals manage to irritate the shit out of me if I am being honest. It does seem to be competently performed and the compressed production style is tailor-made for this sort of angsty material, so I am guessing it is exactly the kind of things the band's usual fans expect. It is clear that I am far from the target audience for this and sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say "We can't all like everything can we, so I'll leave this to those who get it". Sorry Andi.

1.5/5

I've passed this nomination uncontested Andi.

Thanks, Daniel. Could you please also post or pass this nomination: https://metal.academy/forum/28/thread/2488

I've passed this nomination uncontested.

This is extraordinarily difficult for me to find.  The only band of this example with more four albums that I can think of is Boston, and they aren't even metal.  Yes, each one did get gradually worse, and they only have six.

After realizing that The Gateway was the only clan without a "band discography ranking" thread, I decided to start it here. If you have any bands whose albums you've ranked from best to worst, feel free to post them here.

Let's start with the world's most famous alt-rock/metal band:

Linkin Park

1. Meteora

2. Hybrid Theory

3. The Hunting Party

4. Hybrid Theory EP

5. Collision Course (EP)

6. From Zero

7. Papercuts (compilation)

8. Reanimation (remix album)

9. Xero Demo

10. Minutes to Midnight

11. Living Things

12. A Thousand Suns

13. One More Light

14. Recharged (remix album)

Here's my review summary:

Catch Thirty-Three is a concept album where all songs flow seamlessly together like an epic suite, similar to some Between the Buried and Me albums. A complete trek of a journey from start to finish, that you would want to do all over again. It's a djent journey not to be missed, with the usual downtuned guitars, bellowed vocals, and complex drumming (though it's programmed unlike the other albums). Lyrics, riffs, ambience, and seamless suite sections, all you can hear in this monstrous album. One word: brilliant!

5/5

Recommended tracks: The whole album, or if you just want separate tracks - "The Paradoxical Spiral", "Entrapment", "Mind’s Mirrors", "In Death" (both parts), "Shed", "Sum"

For fans of: Between the Buried and Me (for the "seamless album suite" aspect), Sikth, Textures

Here are my thoughts on all the selected tracks:

The Mad Capsule Markets - "INTRODUCTION 010" from 010 (2001)

4.5/5. Let's start with this intro that's good music for the industrial part of my metal heart.

Neurotech - "The Cyber Waltz" from The Decipher Volumes (2013)

5/5. This highlight greatly picks up where Blue Screen Planet left off. It's a true cyber metal anthem, with everything you can ask for from the symphonics, synths, electronics, pianos, guitars, drums, beats, and vocals. The perfect memorable beginning of this spacey journey, and done much better than the heavier first part of Blue Screen Planet.

Peace, Love & Pitbulls - "Das neue konzept" from Red Sonic Underwear (1994)

4.5/5. An excellent concept, though not really a concept track or concept album.

PAIN - "Not for Sale" from I Am (2024)

5/5. One of the best songs from the new album of this project founded by this f***ing legend that is Peter Tägtgren. This makes me feel like punching through glass even though I shouldn't. The Neurotech-ish keyboards in the bridge midway through sound epic, in contrast to the comedic lyrics.

Pitchshifter - "Product Placement" from Infotainment? (1996)

4.5/5. Quite amazing despite the band's transition to a more electronic sound.

Combichrist - "Guns at Last Dawn" from One Fire (2019)

4/5. An underrated heavy song featuring Fear Factory then-vocalist Burton C. Bell.

Rabbit Junk - "Bits and Razors" from Bits and Razors (2020)

4.5/5. With this much electronic fire, it would be interesting if this song ends up on Beat Saber. This is basically synth-fueled industrial metalcore that really levels up after the first minute. I might try singing/screaming along to this tune.

Mechina - "Freedom Foregone" from Siege (2021)

5/5. This 11 and a half minute epic is the band's longest song to be part of an album and not released as a separate single. Tragedy and triumph collide with each other, alongside more of the heavy instrumentation and emotional singing. Then after the final chorus, the last bit of clean guitar and violin melancholy close this chapter of the Mechina saga. But this playlist is far from over...

Samael - "In the Deep" from Lux Mundi (2011)

4.5/5. Can I get a "hail yeah" for this heavy song?!

Ludovico Technique - "Haunted" from Haunted People (2022)

4/5. From just the first 20 seconds, you know haunting this song is gonna get, as if it's sung by a vampire living in loneliness and immortality.

The Amenta - "Twined Towers" from Revelator (2021)

4.5/5. This one is The Amenta's longest song at 8 minutes and might remind some of a more brutal take on Ministry's mid-90s material.

Bad Omens, WARGASM (UK) - "Hedonist (Recharged)" from Concrete Jungle (The OST) (2024)

5/5. Wargasm strikes on in this energetic highlight packed with synths as heavy as the guitars. I've already heard of Wargasm via their remixes with Enter Shikari and Crossfaith. Milkie Way's vocals are more hyper than a sugar-buzzed cheerleader, and that's what I like there!

Circle of Dust - "Chasm" from Disengage (1998)

4.5/5. Disengage and Circle of Dust's other albums are worth giving lots of praise to.

AP2 - "The Red Shirt Conspiracy" from Suspension of Disbelief (2000)

5/5. This highlight actually sounds like an industrial take on the earlier thrash of Voivod and Sabbat with guest vocals by Joel Timothy Bell.

Celldweller - "One Good Reason" from Celldweller (2003)

4.5/5. Anyone who has played Need for Speed Most Wanted can recognize this song's instrumental version, but the original's killer too.

Acumen Nation - "Pistol Whip Me Back Into Your Arms" from Strike 4 (2000)

4/5. This one's great, but a little too rock-ish. "Pistol whip me back into your ARMS!!!!"

Blacklodge - "Culto Al Sol - Solarkult" from Machination (2012)

3.5/5. Heavy hellfire in this one, but maybe a bit too black metal-ish here.

Skrew - "Universal Immolation" from Universal Immolation (2014)

3/5. Skrew reformed with heavier deathly guitars and vocals while maintaining the samples and industrial elements. Still not feeling it much though.

Hint - "In Tenebris" from 100% White Puzzle (1995)

2.5/5. Wow, this is just a dark jazz interlude. Not sure at all while I put it there besides the fact that it's an interlude.

Megaherz - "Rock Me Amadeus" from Kopfschuss (1998)

3/5. Cool cover of that Falco hit, though it's still Neue Deutsche Härte.

Subway to Sally - "So Rot MMXXI" from Himmelfahrt (2023)

3.5/5. Slightly better and more beautiful, a good NDH take on a ballad from their earlier medieval folk era.

Seth Ect - "Orison II" from Godspeak (2011)

4/5. Great sequel to a Seth Ect track from an earlier playlist.

KMFDM - "Sucks" from Angst (1993)

4.5/5. You just gotta love this band's humor mixed with heavy riffing and industrial rock/metal.

Godflesh - "Tiny Tears" from Streetcleaner (1989)

5/5. And now, here we are at the final leg of this playlist, starting with my favorite song of that EP/side of Godflesh's debut Streetcleaner.

Static-X - "Invincible" from Shadow Zone (2003)

4.5/5. RIP Wayne Static. His music will remain invincible.

Motionless in White - "Somebody Told Me" from Disguise (2019, 2021 special edition)

5/5. I love this song, probably the best ever rendition of that Killers hit! Can be heard in the 2021 special edition of Disguise.

Sybreed - "Destruction and Bliss" from God is an Automaton (2012)

5/5. The 10-minute finale of its original album and this playlist is the best track here. It starts djenty as heavy rhythms fill the atmosphere. The best part is the kick-A solo by Travis Montgomery of Threat Signal. The perfect farewell from Sybreed!

Pretty good playlist I've made, huh? I recommend this to any industrial metal fan and anyone who isn't into industrial metal but is up to getting into a great start for the genre. Thanks to anyone who have contributed with their own submissions, and I hope the rest of you enjoy it like I've had!